The National Reining Horse Association Derby is one of the richest shows on the NRHA calendar, with over $650,000 in added money. Kristen Kovatch was on scene at the event. (more…)
#IN MY BOOTS
In My Boots: Long live barn dogs
This week our columnist Kristen Kovatch, a border collie owner, shares her experience of showing a dog the ways of the barn. (more…)
In My Boots: The view from the judge’s stand
When Kristen Kovatch goes to a horse show, she’s usually coaching students or riding herself. Recently, however, she experienced it from a whole different perspective. (more…)
In My Boots: In praise of the horse show community
The horse show world might be known for catty competitiveness, but in many cases there exists a brighter, shinier side of the coin as well. Kristen Kovatch explains. (more…)
In My Boots: A cowgirl in Ireland
Kristen Kovatch might be a western coach, but she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go cross-country in Galway during a 10-day trip to Ireland. (more…)
In My Boots: Credit where credit is due
Sometimes it takes a while to appreciate just how lucky you are. Columnist Kristen Kovatch sends her mom a heartfelt thank-you. (more…)
In My Boots: A couple of kids on cow ponies
IHSA western coach Kristen Kovatch reflects on the evolution of a mutually educational student-teacher relationship. (more…)
In My Boots: Working cattle 101
This week, Alfred University IHSA western coach Kristen Kovatch explains how she introduces her students to working cows. Hint: It involves some serious role-playing. (more…)
In My Boots: First in flight
“I came, I saw, I crashed headfirst through an oxer and had a great time,” says IHSA coach Kristen Kovatch. Oh, this is going to be good. (more…)
In My Boots: Stepping up to the plate
Have you ever had a moment you were so proud of your horse, you thought your heart might actually burst wide open with joy? Kristen Kovatch can relate. (more…)
In My Boots: Semi-retired equine celebrities
College equestrian programs often thrive on horse donations, many of whom come from highly competitive show careers. Kristen Kovatch discusses these horses and their second careers. (more…)
In My Boots: Barn recipe exchange
Not casserole dishes, silly. Recipes for horsemanship and training traded amongst riders, with benefits for all. Kristen Kovatch explains. (more…)
In My Boots: East side, west side
Kristen Kovatch, coach of the Alfred University western team, just returned to New York from the IHSA Semifinal Championships in L.A. She reports on differences in reining style between the two coasts. (more…)
In My Boots: Who needs a tractor?
Well, OK… they have their perks. Columnist Kristen Kovatch takes an old-fashioned horse-drawn manure spreader for a test drive. (more…)
In My Boots: Winter weather? No big
In the wise words of André 3000, “You can plan a pretty picnic but you can’t predict the weather.” Kristen Kovatch recounts the harrowing tale of riding through a surprise Wyoming storm. (more…)
In My Boots: A horse named Wow
This week Kristen Kovatch explains how she used some unorthodox methods (including but not limited to jumping) to help a western horse settle into his job. (more…)
In My Boots: Brokeback mountain, revisited
Broken withers? There’s an injury you don’t hear about every day. Kristen Kovatch updates us on the progress of her horse Tres, who fractured five vertebrae in his withers last fall. (more…)
In My Boots: A ‘mustang’ named Freedom
Horse Nation’s in-house cowgirl diverts our attention from the winter weather and indoor arenas with this tale of blue Wyoming skies, wide open spaces and a mysterious feral horse. (more…)
In My Boots: Phone a friend
Sometimes a fresh set of eyes and a different perspective is exactly what you need to break through a training block. Our in-house cowgirl Kristen Kovatch explains. (more…)
In My Boots: Ranch Pleasure
Devoid of tail extensions, silver-trimmed tack and “bedazzled” attire, the AQHA’s Versatility Ranch Horse competition is all about keeping it real. Kristen Kovatch gives us the 411 on a cool new class, Ranch Pleasure. (more…)
In My Boots: No white breeches necessary
This week, Horse Nation’s cowgirl columnist Kristen Kovatch shares her thoughts on Western Dressage, a hybrid discipline that’s gaining popularity around the country. (more…)
In My Boots: A toast
Cowboy poetry in the form of New Year toasts? We’ll raise our glasses to that. This week, Kristen Kovatch helps us ring in 2013 with some toasts written specifically with horsefolks in mind. (more…)
In My Boots: The bringers of Christmas
This week columnist Kristen Kovatch shares, in enchanting detail, her recent experience of giving holiday horse-drawn wagon rides around a quaint western New York village. (more…)
In My Boots: Return of the crossover challenge
This week Kristen Kovatch trades in her western saddle and reining patterns for an English saddle and jumping course to compete in an IHSA alumni class. (more…)
In My Boots: Freestylin’
Lights, camera… freestyle! Alfred University’s freestyle reining night is a big hit each December and this year was no exception. Kristen Kovatch explains the concept and gives some tips for choreographing one yourself. (more…)